Surly Steamroller owners...

I also ended up riding my old Steamroller (now owned by my brother) this weekend. Sadly he removed the mudguards and stuck skinny tyres on it, but other than that it did feel pretty good.

The latest setup. Longer cockpit feels good and might move the saddle back maybe 0.5cm.. Almost sold the bike earlier this year but now glad I didn't.

more shots behind the link

http://www.pedalroom.com/bike/kawasaki-green-steamroller-59-13188

more cosmetic changes coming..

that is lovely.

cheers

threw the hideous bottle cage in the bin and now it has a set of minoura duralumin cages

yet to be tested in action but they can't be worse than the zefal..

Agreed. Very nice Steamroller, been thinking about wanting one of these recently and this isn't helping me resist.

First changes done after first thousand km. Turbo has been replaced by Toupe, went to 48/19 gearing and swapped handlebartape to something more cheerful. Definitely a keeper.

FFF, i think i got the same cages, or similar at least, not the best but do the job.

Pics from a few days ago, i love my 'Roller :)

Bit of a saddle bag fail though...

Dunno why but I thought you had crocks on at first..old eyes.

new spd crocks, really light

So I came on here to ask if a Surly Steamroller would be up to handling dirt path/tow paths and that sort of hoopla - like a sorta CX bike lite?

I think Aches and pains has answered my question!

I wanna Steamroller!

It can handle tow paths, and dry-ish off road situations well. But anything too muddy and you will end up with mud on your calipers (if you have them). If you are talking about just a couple off odd miles on a ride to take a short cut - then fine. I would not want to do great distances off road on it. The geo would make it uncomfortable.

Tow paths and dry-ish off road/roads that are described as traffic free but aren't really traditionally surfaced type roads was exactly what I was thinking.

Cycled along the Thames Path from Kingston to Putney a few weekends ago and it wasn't much fun on my Bianchi track bike : /

new spd crocks, really light

If only they made spd crocs - would be awesome in weather like today!

It's definitely capable of going off road and being ridden hard, i was going through ditches, jumping logs no problem, but the front brake was pointless through the mud, so i guess it depends on your bike handling skills.

Just bought a Steamroller. Now how to explain this to my girlfriend....

Tell her the truth, you needed it.

It was cheap and will replace my Bruiser which has always felt a touch small, am forcing myself to operate a one-in one-out policy

Can't beat a steamroller on gravel or worse, still comfy. Even my Pacer is fine on quite rough surfaces.

Best thing is that you don't have to worry as it's a surly and they're supposed to take a bit of a beating

Just bought a Steamroller. Now how to explain this to my girlfriend....

Tell her you actually bought a 'Steamroller' - this way when she realises its bike it wont be so bad.

Ha andy, ALL the Surly's belong to you

Having had 2 Steamrollers (at the same time) previously I don't think that'd work. She was amazed by the cost and took it very well, especially as the Bruiser will be going in the cupboard for a while when I pick it up next month.

I wanna Steamroller!

Bear in mind it's very long and low for it's size.

Then again, even I'm thinking of getting one.

I had to compromise with a inline and 90mm stem for mine, just to shorten the reach, although it still feels fine.

That's what I got as well, with my long legs and short torso. I'm 187cm and ride a 54 Pacer and 56 Steamroller, both works well. I really like the small frame, feels easier to handle compared to the 57cm frames I 'should' ride

Bear in mind it's very long and low for it's size.

Then again, even I'm thinking of getting one.

I ain't no T-Rex! In fact I have a freakishly long reach given my short-arse ness :D

Excellent news, sound like you won't have to deal with those "women specific" frame that cost a lots more.